Differences in individuals are what should make the world a better place, instead they are a source of fear, tension and hatred that at times have risen to monsterous proportion. My goal with my social justice project is to work toward teaching understanding and tolerance, to make the world a more cohesive, supportive, and safer place to live, without fear, ridicule, or hatred. The main goal of my project is education. People are often afraid of what they don't understand, and that includes differences between people. Learning to be accepting and tolerant is not something that happens over night, and for some it does not happen at all. But my belief is that we can affect change starting with education and leading by example. Simple acts of kindness to all individuals go a long way in reinforcing the fact that we are all basically the same. I know I am more at ease when I am able to connect with other individuals. I may not always agree or completely understand their lifestyle or choices, but then in turn they may not understand mine. I recently visited New York City with my daughters, and while on the subway I sat down next to a lady. I noticed that everyone was staring at the floor, or off into the distance; basically avoiding interaction with each other. I struck up a conversation with the lady, and before we got off at our stop, we were all joking about our confusion with the subway. Had I not made an attempt to connect with this lady I would have walked away with a completely different perspective of her, if any, and I would not have the memory or the learning experience that I had. My daughters, of course later teased me asking about my "new friend." But, I hope that it is something they remember and learn from. If we are always avoiding interaction with others because of fear or judgement, we will never understand the differences that make us so unique, or move beyond our fears and prejudice.
Mission Statement:
To raise awareness of discrimination and intolerance as it relates to gender, as well as race, ethnicity, and disability.
Goals:
The goals of this project will be achieved through the following processes:
I. Clarify the need for change and development, to individuals in a rapidly changing world, especially in relation to current social, political, and economic issues.
II. Use language and technology to promote individual and group learning through discussion forums, debates, blogs, and presentations, as well as individual interaction.
III. Network between individuals of differing gender through social media and collaberation.
IV. Develop web pages to share positve stories, media, and photos of social interaction and tolerance of differences.
V. Encourage individual and group contributions in various forms, such as; art work, poems, stories, and experiences to promote understanding of differences.
Action Plan:
Gender Differences and Tolerance
Timeline and Action
April 15, 2012
Assess current resources and those that are needed. Identify organizations and individuals that may be benificial to the needs of the project. Determine date of first meeting and who to include.
May 1, 2012
First meeting to establish project group and identify specific contributions and specialties of individuals. Compile a list of contact organizations, articles, information, and references to utilize in the project. Assign tasks and set next meeting.
May 5, 2012
Develop a web page to address the topic and issues surrounding it. Provde discussion forums, videos, blogs, and articles, and welcome input and opinions. This will be done by the member with group with the most expertise.
May 15,2012
Develop a presentation for viewing that will educate and encourage interaction
May 20, 2012
Set up presentation in lobby of hospital, and share in discussion and handout information related to the topic of tolerance.
May 23, 2012
Informational presentation with speakers, and discussion session after presentation.
June 1, 2012
Project meeting to discuss outcomes of events, strengths and weakness, areas of improvement and planning of continued events. It was decided to have one presentation a month, with responsibility being assined on a rotating basis for the programs, to distribute written information at various locations throughout the communities, with individuals having responsibility for the areas they live in as well as some additonal assigned areas. It was felt the web page had recieved positive response, and expanding to include additional actiities should be explored. Tasks were created and assigned, and the next meeting was set.
The action plan was carried out by involving various church, school, and community organizations and individuals. The message was tolerance not just as it relates to gender differences, but all differences and the discrimination related to them.
The action planning committee worked together as a group, with all members sharing their individual skills and knowlege to allow for the project to become a success. The program costs were minimal, as speakers were volunteers, and printed material was donated, and there were no paid members. The work was voluntary for a positive universal cause. The small amount of money that was needed was obtained from donations and fundraisers.
Description:
Differences in individuals are what should make the world a better place, instead they are a source of fear, tension and hatred that at times have risen to monsterous proportion. My goal with my social justice project is to work toward teaching understanding and tolerance, to make the world a more cohesive, supportive, and safer place to live, without fear, ridicule, or hatred. The main goal of my project is education. People are often afraid of what they don't understand, and that includes differences between people. Learning to be accepting and tolerant is not something that happens over night, and for some it does not happen at all. But my belief is that we can affect change starting with education and leading by example. Simple acts of kindness to all individuals go a long way in reinforcing the fact that we are all basically the same. I know I am more at ease when I am able to connect with other individuals. I may not always agree or completely understand their lifestyle or choices, but then in turn they may not understand mine. I recently visited New York City with my daughters, and while on the subway I sat down next to a lady. I noticed that everyone was staring at the floor, or off into the distance; basically avoiding interaction with each other. I struck up a conversation with the lady, and before we got off at our stop, we were all joking about our confusion with the subway. Had I not made an attempt to connect with this lady I would have walked away with a completely different perspective of her, if any, and I would not have the memory or the learning experience that I had. My daughters, of course later teased me asking about my "new friend." But, I hope that it is something they remember and learn from. If we are always avoiding interaction with others because of fear or judgement, we will never understand the differences that make us so unique, or move beyond our fears and prejudice.
Mission Statement:
To raise awareness of discrimination and intolerance as it relates to gender, as well as race, ethnicity, and disability.
Goals:
The goals of this project will be achieved through the following processes:
I. Clarify the need for change and development, to individuals in a rapidly changing world, especially in relation to current social, political, and economic issues.
II. Use language and technology to promote individual and group learning through discussion forums, debates, blogs, and presentations, as well as individual interaction.
III. Network between individuals of differing gender through social media and collaberation.
IV. Develop web pages to share positve stories, media, and photos of social interaction and tolerance of differences.
V. Encourage individual and group contributions in various forms, such as; art work, poems, stories, and experiences to promote understanding of differences.
Action Plan:
Gender Differences and Tolerance
Timeline and Action
April 15, 2012
Assess current resources and those that are needed. Identify organizations and individuals that may be benificial to the needs of the project. Determine date of first meeting and who to include.
May 1, 2012
First meeting to establish project group and identify specific contributions and specialties of individuals. Compile a list of contact organizations, articles, information, and references to utilize in the project. Assign tasks and set next meeting.
May 5, 2012
Develop a web page to address the topic and issues surrounding it. Provde discussion forums, videos, blogs, and articles, and welcome input and opinions. This will be done by the member with group with the most expertise.
May 15,2012
Develop a presentation for viewing that will educate and encourage interaction
May 20, 2012
Set up presentation in lobby of hospital, and share in discussion and handout information related to the topic of tolerance.
May 23, 2012
Informational presentation with speakers, and discussion session after presentation.
June 1, 2012
Project meeting to discuss outcomes of events, strengths and weakness, areas of improvement and planning of continued events. It was decided to have one presentation a month, with responsibility being assined on a rotating basis for the programs, to distribute written information at various locations throughout the communities, with individuals having responsibility for the areas they live in as well as some additonal assigned areas. It was felt the web page had recieved positive response, and expanding to include additional actiities should be explored. Tasks were created and assigned, and the next meeting was set.
The action plan was carried out by involving various church, school, and community organizations and individuals. The message was tolerance not just as it relates to gender differences, but all differences and the discrimination related to them.
The action planning committee worked together as a group, with all members sharing their individual skills and knowlege to allow for the project to become a success. The program costs were minimal, as speakers were volunteers, and printed material was donated, and there were no paid members. The work was voluntary for a positive universal cause. The small amount of money that was needed was obtained from donations and fundraisers.
References:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGUkh2l7kEU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rjkWg9S48Q0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4rIrTMzhE4o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
YouTube, 2012, charactersunite.com, I won't stand forPSA/USANetwork, retrieval date 5/7/12